Automatic weighing-machine.



PATENTED JUNE 4, 1907.

G. HOBPNER. AUTOMATIC WEIGHING MACHINE .AP1LIOATION ILED JUNE 8. 1906.

5 SHEETS-SHEET l.

No. 355,578. PATENTBD JUNE 4, 1907.

Gr HOEPNERi AUTMATIU WEIGHING MACHINE. APPLIOATION FILED JUNE a, wos,

5 SHEETS-SHBET 2.

PATENTED JUNE 4, 190? G. HOEPNBR. AUTOMATIC WBIGHNG MAGHNE.

AlPLIOATION FILED JUNE E, 1906.

5 SHEETS- SHEET 3.

Wwf/@@5166 PATENTED JUNE 4, 1907.

'- G. HOEPNBR.

AUTOMATIC WBIGHING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNES, 1908.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

Af 60 f No. 855,578. n l i I PATENTED JUNE 4, 1907. G. HEPNER.

AUTOMATIC WEIGfHIlSGy MAGHINE. APPLIUATION FILED JUNE s; 1906,

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

fle f ffii/ow.

slight interval between the successive disvvide an automatic weighing apparatus 1n y Uivriin earns Iva-855,578.

naiv A Intron i GEORGE' HOEPNER, oF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

Auigommuo Waerme-MACHINE.

,I Be it. known that I, Gnonon HOEPNER, Ia citize of thev United States, residing at Chic-pago,V ounty of Cook, State of Illinois, have .invented a certain new and useful Improve.-

ment lin Automatic VVeighing-Machines; and

, declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact-description-of the same, such as will en- 'able others skilled in the art to which itvpertains to make and use the same, reference beu ing. had `to ,the accompanying drawings,

lmatic scales, and more particularly to powerV which form a part of` this specification.

Myinvention relates in general to autocontrolling automatic' weighin machines. In .order that automatic welg ng machines "may `have an increased capacitythey have been constructed witha plurality of automatic scales all receiving the materlal from the same source andl all discharging. the

. weighed quantities of material. through a common outlet, Where the successive quantities of material are received in bags or other containers. In this type of weighin chines it is necessary. that there shou'l be a ch argesoi material, in order that the wei Ihed quantities may be kept separate ironi t ose preceding and iollowing.

When 'the material is delivered to the .weighing receptacle, by gravity alone, the

Y rapidity of operation depends upon the cfudition of the material, which if dry will rez: `iily flow vby gravity and thereby increasethcA rapidity of operation of the machine, but it moist will iiow more slowly and decreaselthe rapidity of action.' l '-My invention has for one of its objects to provide a weighing machine comprising a plurality of automatic scales all dischargingv to a common outlet, in which the successive discharge of quantities of weighed material .V will be ept separate and at tiel same time ,follow each other as quicklyA as practicable.

A further object of my invention is to prowhich the material will be positively fed to i' rthe weighing receptacles, and which may be `adjusted `accordingto the character of the material to be wei hed.

JA still further o ject of my invention is to provide an automatic weiglnng machine of fthe type comprising a weig ring receptacle to sis v'which' the material.4 passes through a-main supply and. a supplemental. or completing i. esupply, -in which both theinain and the sup- Speceation oi Letters Patent. appassionate June 8,1906. sesam. 329,847.

Patented Jane 4, 19o?.

plemental supplies will be directly'controlled by the sinking and rising bi the receptacle.l

A stili further object of my invention is to provide an automatic Weighing machine of the type comprising a weighing receptacle to which the materia passes through amain Supply and supplemental sup ly, in which the supplemental supply willlb by a gate comprising a plurality of independ- A ently movable sections whereby a'particle of material caught 'beneath the gate will only hold one section thereof open and will permit the other sectionsto close.

A still further object of my invention is to provide an automatic Weighing machine which will becomparatively simple in oo nstruction, which will be accurate" 'and positive in operation, and which possesses the highest practical speed. r

e controlled balanced'gate for opening and closing the main supply controlled by the rising and falling of the receptacle, a supplemental supply passa e, a gate comprising separate vertically mova le sections carried by the receptacle i for opening and Aclosing the supplemental passage, a power shaft extending through the supplemental supply passages of all of the scales, pins carried by said shaft for positively feeding material through the supplemental supply passages, a gravity discharge gate closing the lower end of eachreceptacle, a latch for retaining. each discharge -gate closed, a counter shaft rotated by the power shaft, radial projections on said shaft for successively engaging the latches of the several discharge gates, means actuated by said counter shaft to control the rising ofeach receptacle, and means for interrupting the lowering of each receptacle-after the closing of the main supply gate.

My invention will be more fully described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the same is illustrated.

as embodied in a convenient form, and in which and practical TOO Figure lis a front elevational view; Figii a i side elevational view looking from .the left/.ip

Fig. 1`; Fig. 3 a detaiied elevational View looking from the right in Fig. 1; Fig.4 a side clef) View showing the discharge gate et a recepta-l cle Fig. a detailed View ct the counter-balanced main gate j Fig. 8 a plan view ot one of the scales; Fig. 9 a vertical sectional view on line 9 9 Fig. 1() Fig. 10 a vertical vsectional view online 10-10-, Fig. 9; 11, 12 and 13, detailed views showing in several positions the device for interrupting the rising of the scale beam; Fig. 14 a detailed view of the gate controlling the supplemental supply; and F ig. 15 a plan View of the supplemental supply gate.

The saine reference charactersare used to designate the same parts in the several tignres of the (.lrawings.

Reference letter A designates a hopper to which the material to be weighed is delivered. Depending from the hopper A are a'plurality of branches A, A?, `and A3. Each ot' the branches of the hopper delivers material to a separate automatic scale, such scales adapted to successively discharge the quantities of weighed material to a ycommon outlet funnel A4, at the lower end a4 of which bags or other containers are adapted to be placed to receive the successively discharged quantities of weighed material.

itwill of course be understood that my invention is not limited to the'eniployinent of three automatic scales, but a greater or less number may if desired be used.A Each o1" thev automatic scales is the same in construction and operation, and hence it will only be necessary to describe in detail one of such scales in order that the construction and operation of ail of them may be ui'iderstood.

Each scale comprises,a chamber B open at its top, intowhich the lower end of one of the branches of the supply hopper extends. The chamber B is provided with a iront wall B, adjacent to which is a partition b3 forming the main supply passage Way. A partition b2 is formed as a continuation of the partition b3, and together with the rear wall B2 of the chamber forms a siu'ipleinental supply passage. Located below and spaced apart from the lower edge of the partition b2 is an inclined Wall h4. yThe chamber B may con veniently be formed integrallyT with a supporting plate B adapted to be secured to any suitablesupport. A web lo projects outwardly from the plate B and extends upwardly to the iinder surface of the inclined bottom b4 of' thechamber.

Asa convenient means Jfor supporting the prlurality of chambers B I have shown a ame D comprising u per and lower portionsunited by VerticaFstrips D. To each ot the..'strips D is secured' the supporting late B ot one of the chambers B. The trame D may be secured to any suitable sup' from the end ot the' scale beam.

essere port,'such for instance as vertical angle bars, one' of which is indicated at E in Fig. 2. Bolts E and E2 project horizontally from each of the angle bars E and extend through holes in ears d and at the ends of the sup-` porting frame l). rl`he bolts are surrounded by sleeves to space the 'plate D the desired distance away from the supporting beams.

lt ivill ot course be understood that the several scales maybe supported in the desired relation to each other and to the supply hopper by any suitable structure, the supporting structure shown being' merely onewhich may be conveniently used.

Extending to the rear of each of the chambers B are a pair ol` lugs Bf and B", upon which are mounted studs lf and h, having V shaped grooves in their upper surfaces. C indicates a scale beam for each lscale provided with lugs Ci and C adapted to over-lic the lugs B5 and B. Posts and c are secured beneath the, lug (.f" aud C in any suitable inanner as by means fof screw threaded portions extending through holes in the lugs and engaged by nuts on the top of the lugs. The under surfaces of the posts and c are V shaped and are adapted to rest within the grooves in the underlying posts lf and b, thereby forming knife edge supports for the scale beam. liu/eight suoli as indicated at C in Fig. 2 is adjustably supported upon the scale beam by means of clamp screws c3. A screw threaded rod having thereon an adjustable weight c projects 'lhe portion ot the scale beam projecting to the opposite side of the knife edge supports. from the Weight, is bii'urcated, the two portions C and C2 oiY which extend on the opposite sides of the chamber B. Upon the ends of the bi'lurcated portions ol the scale beam. are supported posts c and c2 the upper surfaces of which are "3.1 shaped and which engage "Vm shaped grooves in they under ends of studs f and f 2, secured beneath the upper ends F and F2 of a Weighing receptacle F. Any suitable means may be provided for securing the studs beneath the inturncd, upper ends of the arms ot the receptacle, such for instance as 'cotter pins as shown in Fig. 8.

f indicates a weight secured to the front wall of each ot the Weighing receptacles F in order to co1 uitei-balaiice the additional weight carried by the rear Wall ot each receptacle owing to the latches thereon, Which will he subsequently described.

IOS

IIO

The weighing receptacle `F isfprovided port the gate S is extended above its` ivot 11 and is provided with an elongated s ot s? therein. S. indicates a tube adapted to contain a quantity of mercury which may be in- 'v serted therein by removing the plug s which closes the open end of the tube. The tube S is provided with an ear S2 which supports a `screw extending through the slot s?. By

. -means of the screw and slot the position of Vlia-the tube S relatively to the.. gate 1naybe adjusted. "Projecting forwardly from. the 'cat lS? is a-screw threaded rod S3 upon' `which .isi Avsupported lf an adjustable.y Weight s3. A studsvis carried .on thearm s `of the gate at I' 5 ,a lpoint forwardpf its'pivot. The support 'l F :.of the weighing receptaf.l .e F is provided with a'l S4 adapted to enga e the stud s4 l -to 4coitro the opening and. osing of the ate'. "z'o. gf Each of the receptacles F is 'provided with a-discharge gate G havin 'arms Gr and Gr2 located on the j-o posite Sirf s ofthe receptacle land-to the wal s ofwhich they are pivotally `il` se'cure`d.; Gate "G is so connected to the re- 25 ceptac'le` that it will by gravity fall into posi- Vftion to close the opening leading downu: wardly from the reeptacle. The gate is provided with earstfg and g2 extending rear- Wardly at its upper edge'which support arod 3o g. A pair of latches H and H2 are-pivotally secured intermediate of their ends Vto the rear wall ofthe receptacle in `any suitable manner,

asl for instance by a rod H supported by brackets h, as clearly shown in Fig` 6. The

' 35V portions of the latches extending" down- 1 'many from the rod H are of Snghty different lengths so that when the gate G is completely closed one of them, as H2, will swing above the rod g.. and lock the gate closed,

. 4o while if the gate cannot Ventirely be closed owing to a particle, such for instance as a grain of co'lfee, being interposed between the gate and the lower edge of the receptacle, then' the shorter latch H 'will swing above 4'5 fthe rod'g. and retain the gate in such slightly opened position. The upper ends of the latches are curved and extend above a shaft N and are adapted to be engaged by a projec tion o on such shaft to be oscillated out ofen- 5o gagement with the discharge gate G.

The shaft-,N extendsbeneath theseveral, chambers B :and is journaled in the websb."

:The shaft Nfinay be rotated by means of a -pulley n fixed ,thereon .which is connected by a belt Z with a pulley cxed upon a power shaft K. A `vpulley L is. loosely mounted upon thel end of the shaft Kand is adapted to receive rotary motion from any suitable source of power by means of a belt. The in- 6o ner hubgof the pulley L is provided w-ith a tooth Zffadapted to be engaged by a tooth k. on a'sleeve zK, the l tter being splined upon the'shaft K. A grove kl is formed in the sleeve K and is engaged by pins m carried in ayokeA at the upper end of a lever M', the latter being lever Mbelow this fulcrum is provided with a stud fm adapted to engage any one of several the end of the shaft N. p

A finger O is secured to the shaft N adjacent each ofthe scales and is adapted to engage the cam surface p of a level` P, the latter being fulcrumed intermediate of its ends upon the web b. The forward end of the lever P overlies a stud p fixed toftlie corre- 4ver P is provided with a Weight P to balance the same. l

The power shaft K extends through the several chambers B intermediate of the rear walls B2 and partitions b2 thereof. vtion of the shaft K within each chamber carries two sets of inwardly projecting pins r and r2 fixed upon collars R and R2, which rotate with the shaft and extend within the openings in the side walls of the chamber. T eseries of pins are staggered with' respect to eachA other and are spaced apart such distance as to allow the passage of the material Located within the chamber above theshaft Kwis a deflecting plate b forming between the lower edge thereof and the series of pins a passage way through which the material is directed by rotation of the pins with the sha-ft. v

A pair of brackets W and WV? project from the arms F and F'which support the weighing receptacle F. The brackets support at their ends a bar WV by means ofscrews w extending through the brackets into holes in lugs on the ends of the bar A plate u is any suitablel means, such for instance as screws wz. A channel is formed between the` plate /V* and the bar W within which a number of sections W are adapted to move vertically. The upper ends of the sections W3 are provided. with flanges w3 which over-lie the upper edge ofthe bar W so that the sections are prevented from dropping downwardly out of engagement with the bar W by means 4of such anges. 'lhe lower ends of the sections W over-lie the outwardly projecting portion of the bottom wall h4 of the chamber B and constitute a gate for controlling the flow of material through the supplemental passage way to the weighing ren order that the downward movement of the weighing receptacle maybe interrupted after it has received the main supply of material, adevice shown in Figs. v11 to 13 is provided which prevents thecomplete rising of the scale beam until the predetermined quantity of material supplied to the weighing receptacle has been completed through the supplemental supply passage. A bracket T is secured to the top portion of the supportfulcrumed upon a bracket The spending side of the receptacle F. The leradial slots n formed in a disk N lixed upon The porwhich is being weighed between the same.

ICO

rsecured to the inner surface of the banVV by ing plate D in any convenient manner to permit vertical adjustment, as by means of a screw t passing through an elongated slot in the lower' end of the bracket T into engagement with the plate l). The V'lnfaicliet T is provided with a pair of lugs T and T*l spaced apart and located above and. below the scale beam C. Adjustable stops t and #are earried by lugs T and TZ and limit the upward and downward movement of the signale beam. Pivotally mounted upon the bracket T adj acent thp lug T2 is an oscillatory stop plate U provided with a projection alunderlying tac scale beam and with a projection yu. adapted to swing transversely relatively to the scale beam. At the upper end of the plate U is a tube V containing a quantity of mercury which may be inserted therein by removing the plug i) which closes an operi end of the material is positively fedthrough'such sup- (Fig.

tube. A stop lug t is 4 provided on the bracket T in position to be engaged by the lower end u? of the plateU when the latter is oseill-ated, so' that the stop u is out ot the path of the upward movement of the scale beam, as shown in Fig. 13.

In order that the weighing receptacles F may be prevented from swinging laterally,

'links F3 are provided which pivotally connect the weighing receptacles with the supporting trame D.

The operation of my invention is as follows: The material, such as coil'ee to be weighed, is supplied from any suitable source to the hopper A and thus passes through the branches A, A2 and A3 to the chambers B eonnnunieating therewith. The material passes from each chamber B through the main and supplemental supply passages to the corresponding weighing receptacle F. When the parts of each scale occupy the position shown in 2, the material is passing through the main supply into the weighing receptacle and continues to do so until the weighing receptacle has received such a quantity of material that it will overcome the weight of the scalev beam and consequently sink. The sinking of the receptacle moves the lug SA1 downwardly relatively to the stud s* on the arm s of the gate S. The gate S is consequently permitted to close by gravity, thereby discontinuing the mam supply oi matel rial to the receptacle. The gate S closes before the exact predetermined quantity of material has been delivered to the receptacle, the necessary amount o material .to complete. the predetermined amount being then delivered through the supplemental passage way leading beneath the sectional gat-e W3. The

plemental passage by means of the rotating series of pins r and r2. mined quantity of material has been completed thereceptaele F sinks farther so that the sectional gate W3 rests upon the bottom .gravity of the plate supplemental pass/age way.

Then the predeterlr' ot the supplemental supply passage way and discontinuos further delivery of the material to the receptacle. After the predetermined quantity of material has been thus supplied to the receptacle, the rotation of shaft A\ brings one of the projections o thereon into contact with the so that they will be oscillated and their lower ends swung from above the rod g on the discharge gate G. The weight, of the material in the receptacle at once swings such gate open. and the material passes from the'receptacle to the hopper r. Ai'from which it is received in a bag or container'. After the latches have latches H and H2,

been tripped so as to permit the discharge stud p on thereeeptacle prevents the recep-y tacle irom rising until the material has tirely discharged therefrom. Immediately upon the projection O passing from beneath the cam p the weight of the scale beam lifts the receptacle upwardly ready to weigh another quantity of material. The upward movement of the receptacle lifts the sections of the supplemental supply gate and also through the engagement of the lug S4 with. the stud e4 on the gate S opens the latter so that material is again supplied to the receptacle. The discharge gate G immediately closes by gravityv alter the material passes from the receptacle and is held closed by the automatic swinging of the latch H or Hz above the rod g. After the closing of the main supply gate S the scale bea-in C rises from the position shown in Fig. l] to that shown in Fig. 12, itvbeing preventedfrom completely rising' through contact with the stop Au on the plate U. The engagement olE the scale beam with the inclined edge of the plate adjacent the stop u/ oseillates Athe plate to the position shown in Fig. 12, in which the mercury has passed the center of and immediately oscillates the plate to the position shownlin Fig. 1.5', permitting the scale beam to rise further a's the material to complete the predetermined quantity is supplied through the After the 'dischargeot the material from the receptacle, the sinking ot the scale beam causes the same to engage the plate U from the position shown' in Fig. 13 to that shown in Fig. `11 preparatory to the plate againl interrupting the upward movement et' the scale beam;

it will be observed that the main supply gate S is so counterba'laneed by reason of the mercury in the tube S and the adjustable weight s3 that it imposes no appreciable weight upon the receptacle through the contact ofthe stud a* with the lugtS. The shiftthe stop u* and thereby osc-illate.

ingof the mercury after the centeref gravity immediately upon e receptacle sinkingand removing the lug S4 from beneath the s'tud ,sf

`The relation between the weight s, the inclination of the mercury tube S reiativelv to the gate S, and the relativepositions of the studs* and the lug S4, are such that the mercur v.passes its ce'nter of gravity si1nultane. `ous y with-the movement of the lug S4 from between the stud 84,' consequently while no appreciable weight of the gate 1s imposed upon the receptacle, yet the quick closing of the gate by 'gravity' immediately -up'n the sinking of the receptacle, is secured.

By making the gate which controls the supplementfal supply inseparately movable sectionsythe gate Wlll not be held open .by a particleof. material, such as a grain of coffee being caught beneath'the gate, as only-thesection engagigthe grain will be held up, the other sections falling by gravity and thereby cutting ofythe supplemental sup ly.

4. The projections o on thev shaft are so arranged with respect to each other that the gates ofthe several Weighing receptacles will .bc successively opened, such intervals however f o'ceurring between the successive dise charges"` as to permit vthe removal oi one f quantityofweighed material from the hopi spect ther'projections o on the shaft N that."

-wheirjth .perAj-.before the succeeding quantity is dis.-

4The'radial slotsn are so located with re' e'pirtfm engages in one of' the slots n ystop ilglthejo'peration 4of the ma' onezo-the' 'receptacles will be at the' point `ffdscharge, that'is inthe ositioh Vs'hmvn Fig. 4, so vthatimmediate y upon the .-being Withdrawn lfrom the engaged slot-cone' rece taelefwill be discharged while the-schaft',N willcomplete one-third of a revolution before a second'receptacle will be discharged, .Iii this'l manner the receptacles whicharedischarged. after the discharge of the-first receptacle have ample time to receive complete loads b the operation of the su lernental feeding gers. 'n

ach of the projections O through the oscillation'of the corresponding-.dover 'P performs twlo functions, namely that of forcing.

. the receptacle d ')w`nwardl'yl through the er1- much as the labnormal Weight oscliates the gagement of the enld of the lever PL with the stud-p, when the receptacle has received a load less than that vof the predetermined quantityv of 'material, and the additional function of reventingthe vreceptacle from risinguntil tlie material therein has been entirely discharged.

The' oscillating stop rplate U prevents the operation ofthe machine when a greater load is received in a rece tacle than that of the predetermined quan ity-'of material, in as scale beam to the position shown in- Fig. 12

.observed that and retains it there soI that the plate U cannot oscillate to the position shown in Fig. 1,3. The scale beam when held in the position shown in Fig. 12, prevents the complete downward'movement of the receptacleand hence stops the rotation of 'the shaft N by reason of the engagement of the projection O with the shoulder on the lever P adjacent the cam surface p.. In a similar manner if the load received in a receptacle is less than' that of the redetermined quantity of material and wil consequently not oscillate a scale beam to the position shown in Fie'. 12, the enga ement ofthe projection O with the cam wi l so quickly fprce the receptacle down- Wardly that the scale beam will rise instantly to the position shown in Fig. 12 and willretain the stop plateU locked in such position so that the scale beam cannot further rise. The shaft N is consequently in suchinstance locked against rotation by the shoulder adjacent the cam surface pf.

In order that the stop-plate U may swing from the position shown in Fig. 12 to that shown in Fig. 13 it is necessary that the Weight of thelinate'rial should nearl counterbalance the 4'weight onthe scale earn and consequentlypermit "the scale beam C to swingdownwardly slightly, after enga ing, the stop-plate U as shown in Fig. 12, w en therefore the receptacle contains an over load the scale beamafter swinging to the o- ,sition shown inFig. 12, will not re-bound ut be held in such position and thereby prevent the stopfplate from swinging to the position. shown 1n Fig. 13. The completedownward.

movement of the receptacle-by the lever P engaging the' stud p is consequently pre- IOC vented. When the receptacle contains an -under-load the scale-beam is 'not swung from the osition shown in Fi 11 to that sh'owh in ig. l12, by the weig t of the material prior to theen agement of the lever P with the stud p.' hen the lever P .engages the stud the receptacle is forced. quickly downward y and the scale-beamconseguently elevated to the position shown in ig. 12 and there held, thereby preventing the stop-plate flqm swinging to the position shown in:

lt will be further vobserved that in my invention the closing of both of the gates which control the main and supplemental supplies is controlled by the downward movement of the receptacle, and as thedischai e gate can only be opened when-the recept'ac e hasy been forced downwardly by the oscillation' of the lever P by the projection O'it is' evident that the discharge gate is positively prevented from opening until the mainr and supplemental supplies of material have been discontinued. l

From the foreooing description Yit willbe l have invented an improved combination with a plurelity scale comprising a weighingreceptacle, a dis# scales, each char e rate and a latch ier retaininv the oate closed, of meansy successively engaging the several latches icr effecting the successive openings of the gates of the several receptacles at pre-determined intervals.

2; In an automatic weighing machine, the

combination with a plurality of scales, each scale comprising a weighing receptacle, and a discharge gate. therefor, of'a rotary shaft extending adjacent all of the disch-arge gates, and means control'led'by said shaft for efiiecting the successive opening of the gates at predetermined intervals.

` 3. In an automatic Weighing machine, the combination with a plurality ol scales, each scale comprising a 1weighing receptacle, an outwardly swinging discharge gate, and a latch for retaining the gate closed, of a rotary Shaft extending adjacent allI oiithe discharge gates, and projections on said shaft for s uccessively engaging said latches to openthe gates at pre-determined intervals.

- 4.- ln an automatic Weighing machine, the combination with. a plurality of stationary scales, each scale .comprising a weighing receptacle, and a discharge gate therefor, of meansv for effecting the successive opening of the gates of the several receptacles at predetermined intervals, and means .for coiltrollingl the successive rising of the several receptacles at predetermined intervals.

5. ln an` automatic weig ring machine, the combination with a plurality o1 scales, each scale comprising a Weighing receptacle and a g discharge gate therefor-,of a rotary shaft ex.- tendingadjacent all oi the discharge gates, means controlled hy said shaft for effecting thtliccessive opening of the gates at pre determined intervals, and means actuated by said shaft for controlling the successive rising of the several receptacles at pre-dei termined intervals.

6. In an automatic weighinglmachine, thel combination with a plurality of scales, each scale comprising a weighing receptacle and a discharge gate therefor, of a rotary shaft extending adjacent all of the discharge gates, a latch for retaining each gate closed, projections onsaid shaft for successively' engaging said latches to ermit the gates to Aopen at predetermined) intervals, pivoted levers adapted to engage said receptacles to control the successive rising thereof, and projections fon said shaft adapted tc engage said .hastig levers. lto control the successive rising of :l: receptacles.

7. ln an' automatic scale, the combinati-if with a' weighing receptacle, of an outward! x' swinging discharge gate, means for automa? Ev y ally holding said gate in a closedl position, means for automatically holding said gato iu a partially closed position, `vand mechanism for disengaging both of 'said means from sails' gate to permit the. gate to swing directif' from either a closed or partially closed posi` tion to an openposition.

S. In an automatic scale, thefcomhination with a Weighing receptacle, of an' outwardhy lswinging .discharge gate, a latch for holdimz; 'saidgate closed, a second latch for hcldiu,-.z`

said gate in a partially closed position, ana. mechanism for disengaging said latches from said gate to permit the gate to swing directly from either its closedor pa.rtially4clcsed position to its open position."

' 9. ln anl automatic scale, .the combination with a weighing receptacle, of a gravity closing discharge gate, a gravity latch pivotalljv mounted upon said receptacle to hold sahl gate closed, a rotary shaft supported. adje cent the said receptacle, and a projection on said lshaftadaptedto oscillate said Vlatch out of engagement with said gate.

l0. in an automatic scale, the combizm tion with a weighing receptacle, ol" means for delivering material to be weighed to saidreccptacle, a discharge gate controlling the'outlet rozr..said. receptacle, a rotary shaftlc .cated adjacent said receptacle, a latch for ,said gat-e. closed, a projection on said shaft'adapted'to oscillate said latch ,out of engagement with said gate, and means actuated lhy said shaftor controlling the rising of the receptacle after the d ischar e of material therefrom;

' 1l. in an automatic scale, the combination with a weighing receptacle, of a main supply passage through which .material passes to said receptacle, an inclined supplemental supply passage` throughy which material .passes to said receptacle to comilete the predeterrnined uantity of materia therein, the lower wall ol said supplemental supply {passage termin ating in a plane below that o the main supply passage and means' for controlling hothof saidpassages actuated .directlyY by, thefalling ofthe receptaclelto close said passages and by the rising of saidv receptacle to open said passages.

l2. -ln an automatic scale, the combina tien with a weighing' receptacle, of amain A supply passage through which material passes to said receptacle, a counterlalanced oscillating gate for opening andclosi-ng said passage, a supplemental supply passage through 'which material passes to said receptacle to complete the pre-determined quantity of material therein, a vertically movable vsupply gate for opening and closing .said supplemental passa `e,and means for directly convtrollingthe c osing of lboth of said gates by supplemental supply through which material passes to said receptacle to complete the pre-determ'ined quantity of material thereinp a gate carried by said receptacle for opening and closing said supplement al'supply passage,

and meansactuated by the rising and sinking ot said receptacle for effecting the opening e. and `closing of said main supplygatei 14. In an automatic scale,- the combination with a weighing receptacle,A a counterbalanced gate for opening and closing said main passage, vmeans for controlling the open- `ing`- and closingof said gate by the rising andA sinking 'ofsaid receptacle, a supplemental supply` -passage through which material passes to said lreceptacle to complete the-predetermined `quantity oi material therein,

and a gate composed of separately movable sections carried by said receptacle for controlling the ilow of material through said supplemental passage.

"15.` In an automatic scale, the conibination with'a weighing receptacle, ot a supply passage through which material passes to said receptaclea gate supported .adjacent said passage toppenV and close the same, a shifting ,weight carried bysaid gate to counter-balance the same and means controlling the openingand closing of said gate by the rising and sinking of said receptacle.

16'. In an automat escale, the combinattion with a weighing-receptacle, of a supply passage through which material passes to said receptacle, va gate Vsupported adjacent lSaid passage to open an close the saine,

1' means controlling theopening'and closing of said gate by the rising'and sinking of said rei ,ceptacle, and meansffor'counterbalancing `adjacent said passage. to open and c said gate 'to relieve thelrece'ptacle when sink ing from the weight of said gate.

17. In an automatic scale, the combina tion with a weighing receptacle, of a supply passage througliwhich material passes to Asaid receptacle, an oscillating gate supported ose the same, a tube containing mercury fixed to saidh gate, an' adjustable weight carried by ltacle rises ands'inks.

said gate, a projection carried by said receptacle and'engaging said gate for electing the opening and, closing of the sameas the recep- 18min,r an automatic scale, the combinai tion vpith a wei lfixing receptacle, of a supply passage throng which material passes Ato said receptacle,and agate com osedof separately movable sections carried y said receptacle, whereby-the o ening `and closing of said passage is contro led by the rising and falling of said receptacle. f

19. An automatic scale, the combination with a weighing receptacle, of a` passage through which material Ais supplied `to'said receptacle, a gate composed of vertically and independently sliding sections controlling said passag Y", the lower ends ofv said sections 20. In .an automatic scale, the combina# 'tion with/"a weighing receptacle, of means for supplying a predetermined quantity of material to said receptacle means to normally ailel f tomatically discharging said receptacle at predetermined intervals, and means for positively preventing the discharge of said recep-` tacle when the weight of the material therein is greater or less than the pre-'determined 1 amount.

.21. In a power controlled weighing Inachine, the combination with a weighing re'- ceptacle, a scale beam supporting said recep- V tacle, meansfor delivering material to said re'- ceptaclefa discharge gate, means for effecting, 9,5

the o ening of said discharge gate-upon the comp ete sinking ofV the receptac e, and means for preventingthe complete sinking of said receptacle when it has received a greater.

weight th an that of the pre-determined quan- Iobtity of material.

22. In a powercontrolled weighing m9.- chine, the combination with a'vweighing re- `ceptacle a scale beam supporting said recep-l tacle, means for delivering material to said receptacle, -means for interrupting the rising ofv said beam when the receptacle has relceivefd its main load, a rotary shaft adjacent said receptacle, a lever adapted to engage said receptacle, a projectionon said shaft for oscillating said lever to force the receptacle to thev limit of its downward'movement, a dischargev gate, and means for eilecting the opening of said gate when the receptacle reaches the limit of its downward movement. In an automatic weighing machine, the combination with a ,plurality 0lV scales, earth scale comprising a Wei hing receptacle and a discharge ate there or, of a rotary shaft extendin a jacent all of the discharge projections on said shaft or successively engaging said latches to open the gates at predetermined intervals, pivoted levers adapted toV engage said receptacles, fprojectionafjonY said shaft adapted .to engage `said levers-5to force the receptacles to the'limitofftheir downward movement, a scale beam supporting each receptacle, andmeans for interllllpt4` ing the. rising of each scale beam prior'to' the iro x2: gates,` a latchA or retainin each gate closed,

ing receptacle.

y delivering amain supply of material to said said stop 'above the beam. 2O

` beam supporting said rece tacle, means for 4 delivering a main supply o 'material to said 1 `mental supply of material to said receptacle nient ofthe scale beam, a cam surface on said bar containing mercury carried by said tion with a Weighing receptacle, of a scale mental supply of material' to said receptacle -frame to remove said stop from above the lsaidv frame tojmterrupt thefupwar'd movescale beam to automatically oscillate said., frame .in position, tohlocate said first stop' above the beam.

engagement of the lever with the correspond- 245 In an automatic scale, the combinabeam supporting said receptacle, means for receptacle, means for delivering a suppleto complete the re-deterinined quantity of material,'anoscil ating frame, having a stop against. which the scale beam engages when the receptaclel receives its main supply, means for automatically oscillatiiig said beam to permit it to further rise upon the receptacle' receiving its complete load, and means for automatically oscillating said frame upon the falling of the beam to locate 25. In -an yvs'nitomatic scale, the combination with a Weighing receptacle, of a scale receptacle, means for delivering asupplemental supply of'material ,to said receptacle to complete the pre-determined quantity of material, a frame ada tedto oscillate transversely to the'path 'o "tlr'e'f beam, a stopv on ment of the scale beam,.means for automatically oscillating lsaid frame tol remove said stop from above thebeain to permit' the further rise of the beam, Aaridiasecond stop' or; said frame actuated by'the falling ofv the 26. In an automatic'scal'e, 'the combina# tiori'vvith a'weighing receptacle, of a `scale beam supporting said receptacle, means for delivering a main supply ot material 4to said receptacle, -means for delivering a supplee to complete the pre-determined quantity of material, a frame adapted to oscillate transversely to the path or the beam, a stop on said frame to lnterrupt the upward moveframe engaged by the beam to shift the cenf y ter of gravity of the.-.frarn'eiy Whereb' the c frame will so swing'as to removel'saic Astop from above the bbam, and a second stop on frame, means for oscillating said'frame toslnft said mercury upon the .initial rising of. said beam, and thereby move said stop to a position to pcrn'iit the further rising of the scalo beam, and means for automatically returning saidstop to its initial position upon the falling of thescale beam.

2S. In an automatic Weighing machine, the combination with a plurality of scales, each scale comprising a Weighing receptacle and'a discharge gate therefor, of a rotary shaft extending adjacent all of the discharge gates, a latch for retaining each gate closed, projections on said shaft for successively engaging said latches to open the gates at predetermined intervals, pivoted levers adapted to engage said receptacles to prevent lthe same from rising, projections on said shaft adapted to engage said levers to control the successive rising of the receptacles, means for rotating said shaft, and means for locking said shaft against rotation when one of sai projections is in position to engage the corresponding latch.

29. In an automatic Weighing machine the 'combination with a plurality of scales, each@l scale comprising a'WeighinO receptacle and a discharge gate therefor, of rotary shaft extending adjacent all. of the discharge gates,

' means actuated by said shaft for successively f effecting the opening 'of the ates of the several receptacles, a power s aft, a driving Wheel on said oiveiyshaft, a clutch for lock-l ing and Aunloc rinor said wheel to said power' shaft, means for riving said first shaft'from -thepow'er shaft, and means for unclutching st shaft against theA driving Wheel from the ower shaft andI simultaneously locking said rotation. I 30. In an; automatlc Weighing machine the combination with a plurality of scales, each scale comprising a Weighing receptacle and a discharge gate therefor, of a rotary shaft standing adjacent all 'ofA the discharge gates, means actuated by said shaft'for successively permittinir the gates of the several rece tacles to open, a oWer shaft, a driving W eel on said powers aft, a clutch .for'locking and 'unlocking saidivheel to said power shaft,

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means for driving said rst shaft from the power shaft, a disliixed to -said first shaft andhavin slots therein, a lever for actuat- 'lng ,said` c' utch, and a pin carried b said lever'adaptedto engage one of the s ts in saiddisk.y-`

v31.' In a`poW`er controlling scale, the combination' vwith "a Weighing receptacle, 'of a main-supply passage leading to'said receptacle, a gate for controlling the flow of material through said passage, a supplemental supply passage leading tosaid rec`eptacle,`a shaft eX- tending transversely through said .supple-l mental passage, means forrotatingsald shaft,

and projections carried b said shaft and eX- tending Withmsaid supp emental passage.

32. In an automatic scale, the com ina tion with a Weighing receptacle, of a main supplypassage .leading to said receptacle,

"sage, means for rotating said shaft, projections `carried by said. shaft and extendlng wlthin said supplelnen tal passage, means for closing sald supplemental passage when the pre-del termined'quantity of, material has passed to the receptacle, and a reservoir communicating with saidsupplemental passage in which thematerial accumulates when the supplemental passage is closed.l

3 3. In an a tornati@ scale, the oombnal tion'wth a Weighing receptacle, of a main slippl'y`passage leading to said receptacle,

means 'for opening and closing said passage, a

.sup lemental supply passage, a power actu,-

ate shaft extending transversely through said supplemental passage, projections earried by said shaft and extending Within said sup* lelnental passagefor feeding material to 'sai supplemental passage, a gate controlling said supplemental-passage, said supplemental passage being enlarged between said projections and said gate to form a reservoir to reeeive material When said gate is closed.

In testimony whereof, lI sign this specification in the presence of two Witnesses.

GERGE HOEPNER. Witnesses: v

GEO. L. WILKINSON, BERTHA N ATHANSON. 

